Top chefs Tom Kitchin and Martin Wishart cook up recipes for students

Two of Scotland’s Michelin-starred chefs are helping students self-isolating in halls by offering healthy meal ideas.

The right ingredients: Tom Kitchin

Tom Kitchin and Martin Wishart, have created recipe cards with nutritious vegan meals that will be included in food package deliveries to students in Edinburgh University accommodation.The recipes have been made with student kitchens in mind, with each using a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs.Each meal also takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.Tom, chef-owner of The Kitchin, The Scran & Scallie, Southside Scran and The Bonnie Badger, launched the project by creating a tofu and noodle broth.Martin Wishart, who runs Restaurant Martin Wishart, has prepared a vegan box with stir-fried vegetables and chilli noodles.University chefs have also created non-meat recipes, which include jackfruit casserole, chilli bean ragu and smoked mackerel fillets with potatoes.The recipe cards are the latest addition to the package of support students receive if they are required to self-isolate in university accommodation due to Covid-19 restrictions.Self-isolation packs provide three meals a day to students in catered halls and 800 grocery boxes per week are delivered to those in self-catered.Tom said: "This is a really brilliant initiative by the University of Edinburgh and I am delighted to support it."We all know that eating well and planning a good meal start with the use of good ingredients."With a little bit of imagination and some cooking tips along the way, some students might discover a love for cooking."Times are challenging for many so it's more important than ever that we stick together and support the community, especially the young generation in all this."I'm excited to see what dishes the students will come up with and what new ideas are coming our way."Carina Svensen, director of accommodation, catering and events at the university, said: "We are thrilled to provide students with these fantastic recipe ideas and work with local businesses."This year has been tough on all of us, but I hope that this will give our students a boost and encourage them to showcase their creative flair."We are keen to continue this initiative and work with other Edinburgh businesses to create more exciting opportunities for our students."

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